Resolution of the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science

In this statement, the group dissassociates itself from the approved Kansas Science Education Standards

At the fall Kansas Association of Teachers of Science (KATS) Board meeting, Saturday, September 25, 1999, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sternberg Museum in Hays, Kansas, the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science adopted the following resolution:

as approved by the Kansas State Board of Education are not consistent with the vision and content of the National Science Education Standards, the Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and the Pathways to the Standards; Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science does not support and disassociates itself from these Kansas Science Education Standards as approved by the Kansas State Board of Education.

This resolution was adopted because the Kansas Science Education Standards as approved by the Kansas State Board of Education remove theories about origins, biological evolution, and the Big Bang; question geological history; alter the nature of science; censor science; open the doors to religion and other non-science concepts; demean teachers and the profession; and severely limit students' learning experiences.

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The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science supports and aligns with the joint statement released September 23, 1999, by the National Research Council, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Science Teachers Association disassociating their documents and organizations from the Kansas Science Education Standards.

The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science supports the Kansas Science Education Standards developed by the 27-member writing team of science professionals and teachers. In developing these standards, this team followed a rigorous process that included seeking input, reviews, and critiques from the public, teachers, administrators, and members of the Kansas State Board of Education. This 13-month process resulted in a set of standards that represent the vision and content of a sound science education. The Kansas State Board of Education did not adopt these standards as written. The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science holds that the State Board of Education has edited critical portions of the document resulting in science education standards that are not educationally sound and do not reflect National Science Standards or the work of respected national organizations in the field of science.

The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science urges local school districts to utilize the National Science Education Standards to write science curriculum and develop assessments.